This is the 22nd in a daily series of in-depth evaluations on the top 40 prospects leading up to the 2012 NFL Draft, which runs April 26-28. Today: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford.

STRENGTHS: Fleener (6-6, 247, 4.53 in the 40) is the most athletic tight end in the draft and will be a first-round pick. Unlike many tall tight ends, Fleener can produce when aligned in a variety of spots by quickly accelerating to full speed. That enables him to stretch the defense and make big plays down the seam. Most tight ends aren't able to run routes without slowing into their breaks. Fleener can maintain good speed throughout route. His ability to disguise route until the break point is excellent. With outstanding hands, he consistently makes tough catches. He also has great body control and hip flexibility.

His height, combined with his athleticism and long arms, gives Fleener an outstanding receiving radius. As a blocker, Fleener does a good job of getting through to the second level. He's a good blocker out in space. When he aggressively fires off the ball, Fleener does a good job of driving defensive lineman down the line on run blocks. His versatility to line up as an in-line tight end, wing-Back or split out in the slot, shows Fleener is a smart player who can handle multiple assignments. That gives Fleener more draft value for teams that like to move their tight ends all over the field to create mismatches.

WEAKNESSES: Fleener is not a thick, muscular tight end. His height makes it tough for him to sink his hips to block with good leverage. This difficulty, combined with his lack of great strength, will cause him to struggle as an in-line run blocker in the NFL. He needs to improve his first step and learn to use hands to defeat jams. If he doesn't, linebackers will be able to jolt him and slow his release. Fleener can be an upright runner in routes when he doesn't stay focused on his technique. This hinders his ability to get out of cuts quickly to get some separation.

DRAFT STATUS: Fleener's performance at Stanford's pro day further solidified his draft status. In today’s NFL, where passing success is vital to winning, athletic tight ends who can create mismatches are tremendously valuable. Fleener is that type of player. He will never be considered a top level blocker. However, he should be considered a solid blocker given his size potential and competitiveness.

The Bears, Browns and Giants will have an interest in Fleener. Chicago is no longer running Mike Martz’s offense, which de-emphasized throwing to the tight end. By drafting Fleener, the Bears would give Jay Cutler the big-play threat. Cleveland's offense has no established receiving threat, so adding a fast, big tight end would help. The Giants lost their top two tight ends, Jake Ballard and Travis Beckum when both were injured in the Super Bowl. Neither player is expected to be ready for the start of the season. Fleener would give the Giants a dynamic weapon they have lacked since Jeremy Shockey's departure.